Kiama Seminar

Kiama Seminar - 5th November 2016

What a wonderful gathering! Coming together to remember our children and to nurture our own souls.

The ocean provided the backdrop for two speakers: Ann Rodham, a Mental Health Nurse and bereaved grandparent speaking on 'The Length and Breadth of Grief'; and Ann Barbato, a grief counsellor/psychologist and also a bereaved mother, teaching us a little of yoga and meditation to soothe the body and mind when grief becomes too demanding. A group session where we shared our stories through pictures was an insightful way to connect with those in our groups.

The afternoon was one of 'action' or 'doing' where we chose two workshops – therapeutic drumming with Elena, a music therapist ; healing heART with Debbie, a member of the Kiama chapter; a talk 'Suicide – HELP – how do we survive this? led by Helen, a member of Bega chapter, and a group for men walking around Kiama harbour pointing out the fascinating history , led by Mal, a volunteer historian and Terry, a member of Kiama chapter. Men being together in silent understanding and friendship.

Kiama chapter excelled themselves cooking up a storm for morning tea, offering regional hospitality. The contribution of the group was amazing! Some others travelled far – Orange, Wyong, Sydney, Nowra and Bega and of course, Jamberoo and Kiama.

We finished off an emotional but heartwarming day with dinner for those who stayed in Kiama.